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S. lRINGGOLD, OF FORT MCHENRY, MARYLAND.

CONSTRUCTION OF SADDLES.

{Speccation `ofi Letters Patent No. 3,779, dated October 7, 18441.`

To all whom t may concern c Be it known that I, SAMUEL RINGGOLD, majorof the U. S. Army, at present station at Fort McHenry, near the city ofBaltimore, State of Maryland, have invented a new and ImprovedSaddle-Tree, and that the following is a full-and exact ldescriptionthereof, reference being had to the annexed drawings of the same, makingpart of this specification.

Figure l represents a perspective view of the saddle tree. Fig. 2 is aperspective view of one of the pieces forming the pommel, detached fromthe other piece. Fig. 3 is one of the pieces forming the cantle. Fig. 4shows the manner of uniting the pieces of the cantle.

The saddle tree is composed of six pieces; that is to say, two side barsA A; two

pieces B B forming the pommel, and two pieces C C forming the cantle.The side bars A A are constructed, so as to bear on the ribs of thehorse, leaving the vertebra untouched and free; and to this end the barsare made of a co-nvex form on the lower side. The two pieces forming thepommel, overlap and` interlock; and; are firmly riveted together,securing great strength; and the pieces are joined at suoli an angle andthe arch of the pommel constructed in such mode as to leave the withersentirely free from any pressure of the said saddle tree. The two piecesforming the cantle are constructed in a similar manner. The pommel andcantle are respectively united to the bars by being overlapped, and rmlyriveted together by copper or wire or other metallic pins or fastenings.The pieces composing the cantle and pommel are braced by metallic archesD D fastened on the outer sides thereof. The" side bars A are extendedbeyond the pieces composing the pommel as at A2, A3 and are rounded offand shod with metallic plates V on top bent so as to unite with thecantle and pommel respectively. The pommel and cantle are perforatedwith oblong perforations E, E., for the insertion of straps to hold upthe cloak and valise. The .outer edges of the cantle and pommel arebound with thin plates of brass Gr.

To construct a military saddle and arrange the equipments appertainingthereto the side bars A A must be supplied with four rings I J K Lbehind-two I J to atf` tach the crupper and horse-shoe pouches-- two KL` for the nose bag, forage `cord &c. Also three rings in front M, N, O,two 1M for the breast strap and one N for the carbine socket. Thringsare attached to the bars with iron or copper staples and with burrs orperforated plates or other suitable `rfastenings. Theside bars inlfrontofthe pommel and behind the cantle are covered with sheet iron plates V0r other suitable material for strengthening the wood when the staplesor rings are inserted as before stated. Staples P are inserted in thebars in front for the cloak and holster straps. Other staples are passedthrough the cantle to support the valise against it and preventitstouching the horses loins. An iron plate Q, is attached to each side barto hold the girth straps. Mo-rtises R are made in the side bars throughwhich the stirrup leathers are passed, strengthened by plates of iron Ssecured to the pommel and affording a strong brace. The tree has a brassmolding on the pommel and cantle to protect the wood of each. A smallstaple 'I passes through the side bars to secure the stirrup leather inits place.

The seat of the tree is covered with webbing strongly stretched and overthis raw horse hide-both firmly fixed to the tree with copper nails orother fastenings which secure the covering without liability to rest.

The iaps of leather extend sufficiently low to prevent the riders legsfrom being soiled `.and cover two interior flaps which protect thehorses sides from the girth buckles. The said flaps are secured firmlyto the side bars with copper or other nails or fastenings.

In constructing a military saddle and arranging the necessary equipmentsbelonging thereto t-herev are certain conditions that must befulfilled-such as protection to the horse from injury by a properformation of the saddle, convenience of transportation of the effects ofthe soldier without embarrassment to man or horse, embracing maneuveringand the use of weapons, durability and strength and at the same time dueeconomy, fitness for campaigns :and war, ease and comfort to the riderat the same time preserving a correct military seat-the cantle being nohigher than is necessary to sling a valise clear of the loins-and thepummel no higher than to raise the arch over the Withers and carry theholsters and cloak free of pressure on the horse. These ends thesubscriber believes he has attained Vby the peculiar construction Of hissaddle as before described. This saddle-tree will answer for saddles forpleasure-for horse Or foot artillery-light Or heavy dragoonsfor caryingpacks and indeed for almost every description of saddle-by so arrangingthe various necessary appendages as to accomplish the end in view.

What I claim as my invention and which I desire to secure by LettersPatent isl. The construction of the pommel, by the union of two piecesfor the formation of the arch of the pommel; and the construction of theeantle by the union of two pieces for the formation of the arch Of theeantle; and the Combination Of the several constituent parts Of thesaddle-tree in union to give to therieler the position and ease as`herein set forth-the same giving comfort to the horse; and tothe saddlea marked character by which this saddle may be easily distinguished fromall Others known.

SAMUEL RINGGOLD.

Witnesses:

IVM. P. ELLIOT, A. E. JOHNSON.

